10 innovative inventions of 2012

Necessity truly is the mother of invention. Just as inexpensive auto insurance is needed by the masses, so also is the need for technological advancements. Whenever someone defines the need for a new way to solve an old problem, the solution will come from an unexpected place. Private citizens all over the globe tackle issues that face many people, and their inventions have changed the world for the better. Full coverage car insurance may not revolutionize a driver’s lifestyle, but some of this year’s greatest inventions are going to make a difference for many years to come.

1. The Stark Hand

Inventor Mark Stark decided to design a useful hand for his friend Dave Vogt, who had worn a hook in place his left hand because he was born without one. Although prosthetic hands that mimic natural hand movements can cost tens of thousands of dollars, The Stark Hand does not have any electronics inside, but the fingers have three knuckles that allow the hand to conform to any object the wearer attempts to grasp.

2. The BodyGuard

A crime-fighting armored glove that offers built-in self protection is no longer just a futuristic ideal. David Brown came up with the idea for the BodyGuard while talking with his buddy, Kevin Costner. The prototype includes a wrist-mounted stun gun, a camera and plenty of room for future improvements. David would like for his invention to prevent violent encounters since the confrontation might leave the thug in less than favorable condition.

3. The PrintBrush

An innovative approach to printing uploaded images was created by Alex Breton to provide the ability to print on virtually any surface, at any angle without the constraints imposed by paper size. Reflected beams inside the 8.8-ounce handheld device provide information about the device’s direction and velocity. Images appear on the surface as the device is moved in the same way a mouse is rolled on the desktop.

4. The Katal Landing Pad

Ski and snowboard tricks are extremely dangerous because of the landing that must be executed perfectly. Aaron Coret suffered a serious injury that left him paralyzed from his neck down. His friend Stephen Slen worked with Aaron to design a landing pad that would allow skiers and boarders to practice their aerial feats and land safely on the pad. Through a series of experiments, the Katal Landing Pad is produced by a company that makes custom bouncy castles. Now other dare devils do not risk the same fate that Aaron did.

5. Dynamic Eye Sunglasses

Safety behind the wheel of his car motivated Chris Mullin to design sunglasses that would eliminate glare through the use of liquid crystal lenses. While the design is not yet ready for the market, the innovation has made his 35-mile commute to work safer and more comfortable.

6. The Bed Bug Detective

This remarkable device is able to sniff out bedbug pheromones in the same way dogs pick up scents. Treating bed bug infestations requires pinpointing the location of the insects. The Bed Bug Detective is able to sweep an entire room in less than 15 minutes. Chris Goggin created this device with the help of his cocker spaniel, Nina.

7. Prenatal Marker that Screens for Pregnancy Complications

A number of prenatal tests are available to check the health of the fetus, but this innovative device can test for preeclampsia and related disorders in the mother. Each use of the marker costs one-third of a cent to use. Thousands of mothers and babies die from these conditions every year because they are not detected early. A group of college students devised the design of the marker.

8. The Zero Liquid Discharge

An innovative fuel system that oxidizes and evaporates sewage from airplanes, RVs and boats has been devised by Namon Nassef. His idea is to capture the waste from the existing waste system on a boat or plane and process it through the Zero Liquid Discharge. Unlike fossil fuels, all of the energy is used to propel the craft without any waste.

9. Kymera Motorized Body Board

For people who do not have time or money to haul and store a traditional boat, the Body Board is lightweight enough for the owner to carry it from the car to the beach. The small engine propels the carbon-fiber body board at exhilarating speeds across the surface of the water. Anyone can handle the small craft in water of almost any depth.

10. The Medical Mirror

When a person stands in front of the two-way glass of the mirror, a webcam gathers information about the reflected light on the face of the person. The information is processed and the current heart rate is projected on top of the reflection in the mirror. Cardiovascular health can be monitored easily without invasive tests.

Final Thoughts

Most of these inventions have taken years to develop. As technology has marched forward, new ways to accomplish these tasks have been included in the designs. Universities and major corporations have backed these innovations because of the needs discovered in the lives of people in countries all over the world. These ideas may lead to changes to the way other items are produced because each one solves a different problem. Market interest will be determined by the consumers who will benefit from each of the products listed here. Who knows what will be invented in 2012!

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